Following the TRP Gamezone fire tragedy in Rajkot, which had claimed nearly 30 lives, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sealed 50 miniplexes and video cinemas across the city for the last 50 days, severely impacting the city’s cineplex industry.
The move, which has allegedly affected over 1200 employees and caused significant financial losses running into crores for many businesses, has gained widespread concern and criticism from industry leaders and stakeholders.
Founder of Connplex Smart Theatres Rahul Dhyani said that their businesses were sealed abruptly without any prior notice or opportunity to present their case.
“We have been granted a license as a video cinema by the Ahmedabad District Collector, who is the designated authority for the purpose. Our establishments ensure compliance with all fire safety regulations, seating compliance and other necessary norms after thorough scrutiny of all documents attached to the respective application and respective NOC by the license-issuing authority. Now the thing is that despite full compliance with the rules, AMC has decided to seal our premises without a valid reason. Today more than 7-8 weeks have passed, but we are still waiting for clarification,” he alleged.
Recounting the whole incident, Founder of Banana Smart Plex Jenil Shah said, “When the AMC officials came to seal our premises, they made the audience walk out during the ongoing show without issuing any prior notice or giving us an opportunity to present our case.”
Criticism has been mounting against the AMC’s handling of the situation, with accusations that the corporation acted without proper legal backing or consultation with the licensing authorities.
Business owners argue that such actions undermine the “ease of doing business” initiatives endorsed by the government, impacting investor confidence and economic stability.
“For the establishment of miniplexes and video cinemas in Ahmedabad, more than Rs 100 crores have been invested. Sudden seal and lack of clarity regarding the removal of the seal is not only disrupting their operations but also causing substantial financial loss including but not limited to the job security of all employees of such miniplexes/video cinemas,” said the statement.
The owners have been meeting with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on many occasions and have received assurances that the seal would be removed as soon as possible.
“This incident is a stark reminder that currently ‘ease of doing business’ is only on paper,” emphasised Kamlesh Patel, Founder of New Franglade Cinema.
“If the license of collectors is not valid in the eyes of AMC, it will become a huge obstacle for future investments,” he added.
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